So far I've seen only 5 of his choices--I'm so far behind I haven't even seen Kong yet--and none of them will crack my top ten. I'm genuinely surprised about his number one, although he does have a history of selecting movies that mix social relevance (particularly racial tensions) with relatively broad commercial appeal._________________"When I was in Barcelona they showed pornography on regular television. I'm assuming it's the same way in Mexico since they also speak Spanish." - IMDb user comment

I liked Syriana, but I think Gaghan is a little too indulgent in his own plot-complications for how simplistic his point actually is. I certainly admired many of the performances and the fact that he is one of the few politically-minded filmmakers out there who simply want to make their audiences think. However, does any of this really go any further than to support the basic idea that there is a limited supply of oil in the world and this makes for a cut-throat part of international politics? Not to mention, his subtle suggestion that the U.S. is the only country with corrupt intentions in the Middle East is, to say the least, going too far.

Today, I saw a fifth from his ten, as well: Brokeback Mountain. I liked it considerably and certainly think that much of the controversy surrounding it is somewhat unwarranted, but it won't crack my list either._________________Danny Baldwin

certainly think that much of the controversy surrounding it is somewhat unwarranted

This is usually true, isn't it? When it comes to movies, most "controversies" seem rather manufactured--and their irrelevance is often punctuated by how quickly they are forgotten. In this case, I think the media have convinced themselves that "middle America" will fear and loathe this movie, which only goes to show how little they know about middle Americans.

I haven't seen Brokeback yet, but it's a high priority.

Also, I tend to agree with your point about Syriana's basic obviousness, although I never felt that it was insinuating that oil corruption is somehow exclusive to America. It certainly looks at the issue from an American point-of-view, but that vantage point doesn't preclude an acknowledgment of other nationalistic forces.

Eric_________________"When I was in Barcelona they showed pornography on regular television. I'm assuming it's the same way in Mexico since they also speak Spanish." - IMDb user comment

their irrelevance is often punctuated by how quickly they are forgotten. In this case, I think the media have convinced themselves that "middle America" will fear and loathe this movie, which only goes to show how little they know about middle Americans.

For me, the movie didn't come across as pro-gay at all. If it has anything to say about homosexuality itself--which is doubtful, considering the fact that it is far more a character study than a political statement--it's that forcing people to conform against their own will (self-made or not) to traditional values causes a deterioration in those traditional values rather than an enforcement of them. A lot of the movie's power is derived from the Michelle Williams character's reaction to her husband's secret._________________Danny Baldwin

For me, the movie didn't come across as pro-gay at all. If it has anything to say about homosexuality itself--which is doubtful, considering the fact that it is far more a character study than a political statement--it's that forcing people to conform against their own will (self-made or not) to traditional values causes a deterioration in those traditional values rather than an enforcement of them. A lot of the movie's power is derived from the Michelle Williams character's reaction to her husband's secret.

Sounds terrific. I've got to see this ASAP._________________"When I was in Barcelona they showed pornography on regular television. I'm assuming it's the same way in Mexico since they also speak Spanish." - IMDb user comment

forcing people to conform against their own will (self-made or not) to traditional values causes a deterioration in those traditional values rather than an enforcement of them.

I haven't seen Brokeback yet either, and knowing the politics of my local theater I'll probably have to make an out-of-town trip to catch it before it hits video, but damn, Danny, I have to say that's a wonderful observation, nonetheless._________________"If you're talking about censorship, and what things should be shown and what things shouldn't be shown, I've said that as an artist you have no social responsibility whatsoever."

forcing people to conform against their own will (self-made or not) to traditional values causes a deterioration in those traditional values rather than an enforcement of them.

...Danny, I have to say that's a wonderful observation, nonetheless.

Yeah, that is. See, I took a pretty different look at the film, seeing the relationship as harmful for one of them on a personal level and took my reading of the film from there. What's great is how I've heard a few different takes on it. It's probably a better film than my three-star rating gives it credit for. Stupid I.R.I.S._________________"Film lovers are sick people."